* Job Title: Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager
* Sector: Local Authority & private sector contracts
* Employment Type: 6–12-month Fixed Term Contract initially
* Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours; Part-time also considered
* Reporting to: Director of Operations
* Location: West Yorkshire (Flexible / Office and on-site across the West Yorkshire Region)
* Job Reward: £60-70k Target Band plus excellent benefits
Are you an experienced Contracts & Policy Professional? Looking to lead high‑value, complex service contracts across public and private sectors?
The Strategic Policy & Contracts Manager will be responsible for leading the management, oversight, and continuous improvement of high‑value, complex service contracts across both the public and private sectors.
Key Responsibilities – Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager
* Lead on the strategic management of high‑value service contracts across multiple sectors.
* Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, KPIs, SLAs and regulatory requirements.
* Monitor and report on contractor performance, taking corrective action where necessary.
* Advise on contract governance, risk management and dispute resolution.
* Develop and maintain robust contract management processes and documentation.
* Prepare, manage and monitor contract budgets, value for money and financial accountability.
* Oversee payments, invoicing and commercial reporting to ensure alignment with contractual agreements.
* Identify opportunities for cost savings, improvement and innovation in service delivery.
* Act as the primary liaison between the organisation and contractors, suppliers and stakeholders.
* Engage with public sector clients, regulators and internal teams to maintain strong collaborative relationships.
* Represent the organisation in negotiations, meetings and contract review forums.
* Drive performance improvement across contracted services, ensuring operational delivery meets organisational objectives.
* Develop performance dashboards, reports and metrics to monitor delivery, trends and risks.
* Support the integration of new services and operational processes.
* Contribute to organisational strategy and service planning through insight from contract management.
* Lead initiatives for continuous improvement, transformation and innovation.
* Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial and operational risks.
Key Requirements
* Experience in large‑scale service delivery, high‑value contract management, compliance and regulation in public‑facing operational services, multi‑agency or political environments.
* Professional qualification in Contract Management, Project Management (APM) or Procurement is desirable.
* Experience managing high‑value contracts, preferably PFI/PPP or long‑term service agreements.
* Strong knowledge of SLA/KPI frameworks, performance management and compliance.
* Familiarity with commercial and legal principles governing contracts.
* Understanding of public sector governance, risk and statutory obligations.
* Ability to manage cross‑functional teams and complex stakeholder relationships.
* Strong leadership, decision‑making and negotiation skills.
Your experience in reviewing processes, driving efficiency and embedding continuous improvement aligns perfectly with the expectations of overseeing a modern, high‑performance local authority contract.
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package, including an exceptional pension.
* Hybrid working.
* Chance to make an impact on a high‑value high‑profile contract.
Suitable Candidates
Candidates with experience as a Contracts Manager, Strategy Manager, Contract Services Manager, Environmental Services Contracts Manager, Public Realm Contracts Manager, Municipal Services Manager, PFI/PPP Contracts Manager, Infrastructure Contracts Manager, Civil Engineering Contract Manager, Public Infrastructure Service Policy Manager, Utilities Contracts Service Delivery Manager, Environmental Services Manager, Contracts Performance Manager or Framework Manager will also be suitable for this role.
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